Hither Green or Highams Park?

[OneRarePearlHam]

I know they're far from each other, but DH and I have been looking to move to either Hither Green or Highams Park and can't decide! We like both! We have two children under 5 and want a family friendly and safe area, with enough to do and good commuter links to central London. And good schools of course.

What would everyone recommend?

Don't know HP but find HG a bit sleepy, not much on the actual doorstep, you need to travel to other local areas but depends what you like. Lots of decent primary options, unsure re secondary as friend who was there moved out for more choice.

Don’t know Hither Green but can comment on Highams Park. Great place to bring up kids, having the forest on your door step and the park means you have places to explore and there are loads of other young families. Also a good community feel in the area. Lots of roads have play street activity or plan things during big events like the Coronation. Also events in the park like picnic in the park. Primary schools are all good and HP secondary also a good school.

Good transport links are also helpful. Only 22 mins into Liverpool Street and being the second stop on the line you will get a seat. Also easy to get into the Victoria line.

In terms of things to do there is the cinema and a new theatre in Walthamstow which is 5 minutes on the train. Loads of great coffee shops as well. Without the kids there are some great bars in HP like Vinotap, Stag & Lantern or you can head over to Walthamstow for the beer mile.

People tend to stay for a long time once they move to HP so it does not feel transient.

This is so helpful, thank you so much! Is Highams Park School good? We are looking at a house on Vincent Road and keeping our fingers crossed.

Yes Highams Park school is well regarded and has quite a small catchment area at the moment so the kids seem to have local friendships which is good as when it comes to the time for them be to managing their own social life there is not as much taxi parent going on!

Thank you! This is so helpful

I used to live in Walthamstow (not quite Highams Park) and now live in Hither Green. The best thing about HG is 9mins to London Bridge, walking to Blackheath and Greenwich park, it’s definitely far far far quieter than Walthamstow. All the primaries here are very good. I think it depends on where you work and what you do at the weekend and how often do you leave London? HG is improving getting better (a reformer pilates studio just opened and a great wine bar etc). I miss Walthamstow a lot but do love the quiet here and love Greenwich park

@OneRarePearlHam what did you decide??

Highams Park! We preferred the schools, community and transport links!